September 12th, 2019 12:30am
GSC Football Preview of Week 2
September 12, 2019 7:30 P.M.
Now that week 1 is behind us, let’s focus our attention to week 2’s GSC games, and let’s give some statistics, let’s do some analyzing, and let’s make some predictions. Who’s ready? I know I am, so let’s GO!
West Florida (0-1, 0-0 GSC) at Shorter (0-1, 0-0 GSC)
When: Saturday, September 14th at 1:00 P.M., ET.
Where: Rome, GA
Series: West Florida, 3-0
Last Matchup: 2018 – West Florida 51-7
Live Stats: https://goshorterhawks.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Radio: http://espnpensacola.com/category/uwf/
Video: ESPN 3 https://www.espn.com/watch?id=084bce46-6930-4f80-b158-abd9730caf25
Analysis: First and only GSC conference game of the year and this weekend which is why it will be the GSC ESPN Game of the Week. So Shorter took a shellacking by West Florida in Pensacola last year, 51-7, so I imagine Shorter hasn’t forgotten that and I expect this to be a more competitive game than last year, but how much more? Well that is to be determined on the field. Shorter is averaging 10 points per game, 101 yards passing, and 62 yards rushing. Defensively, Shorter is allowing 48 points, 243 yards in the air, and 248 yards on the ground, but all of that is just after one game where they lost to East Tennessee State. I think it’s too early to put too much stock in statistics. West Florida is averaging 13 points a game, 194 yards in the air, and 64 yards in rushing. They allowed 20 points to Carson-Newman last week along with 88 passing yards and a whopping 334 yards rushing. Players to look for is Shorter’s quarterback, Tyler Pullum, who was not bad last week, but not sure if he got hurt or was pulled during the game because Aeneas Dennis had some passing statistics late in the game, along with a passing touchdown. Shorter has to find some productivity on offense across the board though and sustain some long drives along with their defense has to find a way to slow down the run and pass a little more. Southern Illinois transfer quarterback, Austin Reed, played a pretty good game for West Florida throwing for 194 yards and 1 touchdown, however, it was not the West Florida offense we have seen in years past. West Florida needs to find more of a productive running game along with stopping the run, or at least slowing it down. 334 yards rushing by an opponent is not going to cut it.
Prediction: I will be covering this game in person which I am looking forward to. I think it could be close going into halftime, but I believe West Florida has too much talent and depth for this to be close at the end. Shorter should and I believe they will show some improvement from last year, but not enough to come out with a victory.
West Florida 31 Shorter 17
Florida Tech (1-0, 0-0 GSC) at Newberry (0-1, 0-0 SAC)
When: Saturday, September 14th at 1:00 P.M., ET.
Where: Newberry, SC
Series: Tied, 2-2
Last Matchup: 2018 – Florida Tech 17-10
Live Stats: http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&gid=nwbr
Radio: https://www.wfit.org/listen-live#stream/0
Video: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/newberry/
Analysis: A very close game last year where Florida Tech was able to pull out the win 17-10 against Newberry. I think it might be another nail-biter. Newberry only scored 1 touchdown last week, and gained 175 yards passing and 112 rushing. The allowed 17 points along with 129 yards passing and 241 yards on the ground. Florida Tech scored 23 points last week in their season opener and held on for the win in the last few seconds. They threw for 331 yards and ran for 130, while allowing 22 points, 246 yards on the ground and a very low 23 yards in pass defense. Newberry’s quarterback, Dre Harris was decent along with Ty Kelly on defense who had 2 sacks. West Florida’s quarterback, Trent Chmelik was on fire after throwing for 331 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with Miles Kelly who had 5 catches for 143 yards. Defensively, who to look for is John McClure who had 13 tackles last week. I think Florida Tech just needs to keep doing their thing, but they could improve their rushing attack as well as their run defense some more to make the folks in Melbourne feel a little bit better. Newberry has to find a way to put more points on the board and improve overall offensively along with their run defense as well. I see this one being a tough hardnosed football game in Newberry.
Prediction: Another close game I believe like last year’s game. Florida Tech pulls it out though with a late long drive down the field to win it on an Austin Williams 51 yard field goal to send the home fans home with tears in their eyes.
Florida Tech 24 Newberry 21
North Greenville (1-0, 0-0 GSC) at Western Carolina (0-2, 0-0 FCS-SOCON)
When: Saturday, September 14th at 3:30 P.M., ET.
Where: Cullowhee, NC
Series: First Meeting
Last Matchup: First Meeting
Live Stats: http://www.catamountsports.com/liveStats/v2/football/index.dbml?GAME_STAT_ID=3199663&db_oem_id=12100
Radio: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/wcu/?_ga=2.113757255.1504731895.1568130993-2055824097.1568130993
Analysis: North Greenville goes on the road to play FCS foe Western Carolina after beating Newberry 17-7 last week, which has definitely given this team some confidence, and they are going to need it playing Western Carolina who is coming off a 41-0 loss to North Carolina State. Western Carolina is averaging 13.5 points on offense, 208 yards in the air, and 67.5 on the ground. They are allowing defensively 45 points per game, 219 yards in the air, and 260 yards on the ground. North Greenville scored 17 points in their 1st game of the season, along with 129 yards passing, and 241 yards on the ground. Defensively, North Greenville allowed 1 touchdown, 175 through the air and 112 in rushing. Western Carolina is led by quarterback Tyrie Adams who is 25 of 38 for 318 yards and 2 touchdowns over 2 games. North Greenville will try and find the upset with London Johnson at quarterback, freshman sensation Dre’ Williams who had over 100 yards last week in rushing and won the GSC freshman player of the week award. Defensively, Chauncy Haney and Aaron Watson will lead a tough and tenacious defense. Western Carolina is going to be expecting the win being an FCS school and they are desperately in need of a victory being 0-2 to start the season. North Greenville is going to be riding in with a high level of confidence and looking for the upset. North Greenville needs to improve in their passing game and score some more points. If they can do that, and that defense causes some turnovers and mistakes for Western Carolina, then this game will be ripe for the victory in North Greenville’s favor I do believe.
Prediction: This should be another close game I truly believe. I know it’s an FCS school, but I like what I saw last week in North Greenville. Close, but I’m giving this one to North Greenville.
North Greenville 20 Western Carolina 19
#24 West Alabama (1-0, 0-0 GSC) at Tusculum (0-1, 0-0 SAC)
When: Saturday, September 14th at 6:00 P.M., ET.
Where: Greenville, TN
Series: First Meeting
Last Matchup: First Meeting
Live Stats: http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&gid=tusc
Radio: https://onlineradiobox.com/us/wsly/?cs=us.wsly&played=1
Video: https://www.youtube.com/user/TusculumAthletics
Analysis: The #24 West Alabama Tigers will travel to Tennessee this weekend to take on SAC opponent Tusculum, who lost to GSC member Delta State, 24-10 last week. West Alabama came away with the win against Limestone, 35-18, to open up their season. Another battle between two tough and respectable conferences. Tusculum scored 10 points last Saturday, passed for 201 and ran for 81, while allowing defensively 24 points, 165 passing and 130 on the ground. West Alabama put up 35 points by means of 281 yards passing and 170 yards rushing. They allowed 18 points, 324 yards passing, and 106 yards rushing. Tusculum will be placing their hopes for their first win in their quarterback, Joaquin Collazo and running back Jordon Shippy, who is a handful. West Alabama’s quarterback, Jack McDaniels, who earned his first start and victory last week, will come into his second game looking to duplicate his effort last week where he threw for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wide receiver Bayley Blanchard along with running backs by committee will look to assist McDaniels. Look for NFL pro prospect, tight end Qua Boyd, to play a big role also on Saturday. Overall, Tusculum will have the home field advantage which will be a plus, but they are going to have to find a way to open up their offense a little bit more if they want to walk away with the win. West Alabama’s secondary is going to have to step up and play better than they did last week, and will we see a running back come to the forefront this week as well. Penalties has got to improve for West Alabama also.
Prediction: West Alabama should be able to put up some points and plenty of them through the air, but if they get into a back and forth match with Tusculum and their passing game, and it is close going into the 4th quarter, it won’t be good for West Alabama. I don’t see it happening that way though.
#24 West Alabama 41 Tusculum 27
Ohio Dominican (1-0, 0-0 GMAC at #1 Valdosta State (1-0, 0-0 GSC)
When: Saturday, September 14th at 6:00 P.M., ET.
Where: Valdosta, GA
Series: First Meeting
Last Matchup: First Meeting
Live Stats: https://vstateblazers.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Radio: http://talk921.com/
Video: https://www.espn.com/watch?id=bf23376c-c356-428c-97a9-361c3c349216
Analysis: Ohio Dominican, who went 9-2 last year and barely missed the playoffs, will be making the long trip to Valdosta, GA to take on the #1 team in the nation in the ‘hotter than Georgia asphalt’ Valdosta State Blazers. Last week, Valdosta State travelled to Albany State and it was business as usual for them with no drop off from last year as they dominated in a 38-3 victory. Ohio Dominican were road warriors themselves and beat Shepherd in a close one, 24-21. Ohio Dominican passed for 273 yards and ran for only 56 in the win, while allowing 358 yards in the air and 101 on the ground. Valdosta State dominated across the board statistically by passing for 246 yards, running for 180 while only allowing 66 yards in the air and 174 on the ground. Ohio Dominican’s quarterback, Evan Ernst, is good though passing for 31 of 39 for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns, no picks. Valdosta State’s quarterback Rogan Wells was even more efficient though. He threw for 23 of only 26 passes for 215 yards, 2 touchdowns and no picks. Defensively, Ohio Dominican is led by Dauson Dales who had 10 tackles last week and Alessio Amato who had 1 pick. Valdosta State’s ‘Black Swarm’ defense is led by Nick Moss who had 9 tackles and 2 other stars in the making, Alex Brown and Cory Roberts, who each had a pick. Ohio Dominican will have to throw everything they got at Valdosta State including the kitchen sink if they hope to squeeze a ‘W’ out of Valdosta State this Saturday. They better shore up that secondary also if they expect to have a chance in this game, otherwise it could become a blazing inferno for these Panthers. Valdosta State probably needs to smooth things out a little bit more in their run defense.
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Prediction: I don’t see this being a struggle win for Valdosta State at all, but Ohio Dominican does have a winning program and so they’re not going to just come in and lay down and get intimidated. Close at first, but Valdosta State pulls away in big fashion in the 2nd half.
#1 Valdosta State 51 Ohio Dominican 27
Delta State (1-0, 0-0 GSC) at #9 Grand Valley State (1-0, 0-0 GLIAC)
When: Saturday, September 14th at 7:00 P.M., ET.
Where: Allendale, MI
Series: Grand Valley State, 2-0
Last Matchup: 2018 – Grand Valley State 21-10
Live Stats: https://gvsulakers.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Radio: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/dsu/
Video: ESPN 3 https://www.espn.com/watch?id=96344b33-1b20-45ae-8fd8-34c79fd14d36
Analysis: Delta State will be making the long trip up to Allendale, Michigan to play the powerhouse #9 Grand Valley State, after coming off a victory against Tusculum last week. Grand Valley State will be entering the matchup 1-0 as well with a win against Edinboro where they came away with a 35-10 victory. Grand Valley State passed for 253 yards and ran for an incredible 319 yards, while only allowing 107 yards in the air and a paltry 13 yards on the ground. Delta State passed for 165 yards and ran for 130 yards in their 24-10 win last week, but defensively is where Delta State was eye opening, for they only allowed 201 yards passing and 81 yards rushing. Grand Valley State will be led by quarterback Cole Kotopka who threw for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns and Aryuan Cain-Veasey who rushed for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 11 attempts. Defensively, they will be led by Brandann Brown and Nick Foster who both recorded 2 sacks each. Delta State will be led by quarterback Patrick Shegog who threw for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with Rico Owens II who had 69 yards on 7 attempts for a touchdown. They will be led defensively by Vada King who was GSC defensive player of the week where he collected 13 tackles and 2 tackle for losses. Junior Faulk will be joining him in the secondary where he has turned into a ball hawk already with 2 interceptions last week. I know Tusculum is no Grand Valley State, but I also believe that Edinboro is no Delta State. On that note, however, Delta State is going to have to improve offensively. Grand Valley State probably has the most talent right now, but they will need to be mistake free or else Delta State is probably going to take advantage of them. Should be a great game.
Prediction: On one hand, I think Grand Valley State will dominate this one, but then I think maybe Delta State is truly back and will get an upset win. Tough call this early in the season. I’ll have to go with home field advantage in this one, but it’s going to be close.
Grand Valley State 17 Delta State 16
#13 West Georgia (1-0, 0-0 GSC) at Limestone (0-1, 0-0 SAC)
When: Saturday, September 14th at 7:00 P.M., ET.
Where: Gaffney, SC
Series: West Georgia, 1-0
Last Matchup: 2018 – West Georgia 42-14
Live Stats: https://golimestonesaints.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Radio: Not Available
Video: Not Available
Analysis: West Georgia will be on the road for a second time going up against Limestone. West Georgia is coming off a convincing 37-0 win at Catawba last week while Limestone fell to West Alabama 35-18. Limestone threw for 324 yards and ran for 106 more in the loss while allowing 281 yards passing and 170 on the ground. West Georgia passed for 220 and rushed for 179 while only allowing 92 through the air and 156 on the ground. Limestone will be led by DJ Phillips at quarterback who threw for 313 yards and 1 touchdown along with his favorite receiver, Quay Brown who caught 5 passes for 143 yards and a score. Defensively, Limestone will be led by Devione Williams and Timarkus Dawkins. West Georgia’s talented and veteran quarterback ‘Slick’ Willy Candler, who was very efficient last week completing 22 of 34 passes for 220 yards, will be handing the ball off to Eric Swinney, an Ole Miss transfer, who ran for 62 yards and a score on just 3 touches. Running back Christian Royalston is out injured and is expected to not play. West Georgia’s strength right now is probably on defense where some future pro prospects are flying all over the field right now. Led by Korie Rogers who had 6 tackles with 2 for losses and Nasier Currie-Sadler who had a pick also last week, West Georgia should be good defensively in this game. Limestone threw the heck out of the pigskin last week, but I don’t see them getting the same yardage production this week as they did last. They may still attempt 42 passes, but I think if they do, they might be seeing 3 or 4 picks against that very talented secondary of West Georgia’s. West Georgia’s running game needs to get better in total production and probably find that running back 1B to go with Swinney. West Georgia probably could work on their run defense as well.
Prediction: I don’t see this being close at all and maybe even worse than last year’s loss for Limestone that they had against West Georgia. Another game to get some valuable game time experience and build depth for West Georgia.
West Georgia 45 Limestone 13
Albany State (0-1, 0-0 SIAC) at Mississippi College (0-1, 0-0 GSC)
When: Saturday, September 14th at 8:00 P.M., ET.
Where: Clinton, MS
Series: First meeting.
Last Matchup: First meeting.
Live Stats: https://www.gochoctaws.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Radio: https://www.gochoctaws.com/watch/?Live=30&type=Live
Video: https://www.gochoctaws.com/watch/?Live=30&type=Live
Analysis: Albany State from the SIAC will be looking to get a win against GSC opponent Mississippi College and their first win of the year and Mississippi College will be looking to do the same against the SIAC. Both schools are coming off blowout losses and so this should be a more evenly matchup for these two schools. Mississippi College passed for 125 yards and ran for 117 yards against FCS opponent Alcorn State last week, while allowing 141 yards in the air and 324 on the ground in a 45-7 loss. Albany State passed for 66 yards and ran for 174, while allowing 246 in the air and 180 rushing in a 38-3 loss to #1 Valdosta State. Mississippi College’s offense will be led by either Detric Hawthorn or DeAnte Smith-Moore at quarterback and Jaylen Hassell will be leading the defense after recording 10 tackles last week. Albany State will be led by quarterback Kelias Williams who threw for 66 yards and ran for 81 yards last week and defensively, Tyler Scott who had 10 tackles. Mississippi College will be trying to reinvigorate their option rushing attack which when running smoothly can be deadly to opponents defenses. Both teams will try to first, establish the run and stop the run, second, play good special teams, and third, pass efficiently when they do pass. I see a low scoring game.
Prediction: Two teams, both looking for the ‘W’ and both strong historically in running the ball and establishing that as their primary weapon on offense. I think this will be another close one actually and will go with the home team.
Mississippi College 21 Albany State 14
All questions and comments can be sent to me at [email protected] . Also, feel free to connect with me on twitter at @jc071172_jay.